DR. PRASHANT NARESH SAMBERKAR

Dr Prashant Naresh Samberkar is a qualified Pathologist from Mumbai University. He has more than 23 years experience in the field of Forensic Pathology and was employed in Mumbai and Fiji Islands previously. In his capacity as an Medical Lecturer and Head to Department of Forensic Pathology, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), his daily routine includes conducting autopsies, examining crime scene evidence and witness testimony, collecting medical evidence from cadavers, analysing other evidence like ballistics or toxicology, analyzing blood (serology) and utilizing DNA technology. He works closely with the Malaysian law enforcement agency and is responsible to ascertain the manner's of death - natural, accidental, suicidal, homicidal or murder, to assist in investigation and defend findings in a courtroom. 

As a head of department he is trustworthy and entrusted with significant administrative responsibility to manage the department of forensic pathology. He effectively communicates with department co-workers, emergency department, medical records and the hospital administration to ensure proper mortuary and autopsy practices even in high stress environment. Under his direction the department of forensic pathology provides extended periods of services to the hospital and law enforcement agencies to serve the community better. The departments contibution to the law enforecement agency was appreciated and recognized by awarding a certificate and souvenir by the Petaling Jaya District Police Office. He has designed the mortuary and the department of forensic pathology for UMMC (twice) and once for Metropolis Hospital. 

Additionally, he is also attached to the private wing of University of Malaya - University Malaya Specialist Centre as a Medico-Legal Consultant to provide opinion on medical malpractice (negligence) cases, insurance matters and opine on criminal matters to lawyers and courts.

As an academician he is profoundly occupied in lecturing and training undergraduate and post graduate medical student. He has played a pivotal role in designing the forensic curriculum for the undergraduate medical students in 2008 and again in 2013 for the Department of Forensic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. He organises seminars for in-house and other forensic centres pathology and forensic postgraduate students in Malaysia. Under his guidance and supervision local and internaltional undergraduate and master's students have completed their elective and masters postings and projects. His forensic knowledge is utilized to lecture nursing staff and is also involed in the pre-housemenship programme for the UMMC. He is appointed as a Chief Examiner to conduct the Master's of Pathology (Forensic) examinations held at department of forensic pathology, University of Malaya and also as an external examiner to other Malaysian Universities. As a respected clinician his contribution to Forensic Pathology is recognized in Malaysia and also by his previous employer in Fiji Islands and he was awarded the Excellent Service Certificate for two consecutive terms extending 3 years each. 

He is actively involved in Research for the master's forensic pathology curriculum projects. He has recently concluded a BKP Grant for cardiac associated deaths. Currently, he is a coresearcher for and FRGS Grant (in collaboration with Harvard University) and a BKP Grant with University of Malaya. He has conducted various non-funded research for the department of forensic pathology. 

He is on the Organ Transplant Committee at the UMMC and recently has joined as a member with the Malaysian Medical Association. He is also a life member with the Indian Medical Association. He has interest in Research, has publications in International Academic Journals and very recently has contributed photographs to the latest edition of Modi's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology (recongnized in the Common Wealth Countries). He has attended and presented oral and poster papers at various local and international conferences, workshops and seminars.

During this tenure spanning more than two decades he had the opportunity to execute more than 5000 autopsies, numerous crime scene examinations and court appearances as an expert witness. This has allowed him to acquire a better understanding of the legal systems around the globe and sharpen his skills in providing reliable, impartial and evidence based opinions on numerous criminal cases, medico-legal documents and issues related to Iatrogenic Hospital Deaths leading to litigations.